Injuries pile up with e-scooters

Scooter-sharing startups may be changing last-mile transportation, but the craze has led to many injuries, according to a Consumer Reports survey.

More than 1 500 people have been treated for injuries from using battery-powered electric scooters in the US since the craze began in late 2017, a survey showed.

The nonprofit consumer magazine said its tally, based on reports from hospitals and emergency officials, is incomplete and does not include four reported fatalities linked to e-scooters.

Still, it counted 1 542 cases of emergency treatment for scooter-related injuries after calling 110 hospitals and five agencies in 47 cities where the two biggest scooter companies operate.

The scooter rideshare craze, which enables consumers to rent and drop the two-wheeled devices for short trips, has been hailed as a potential revolution for urban transport.

But a number of media reports have highlighted the potential dangers of scooter use, either on pavements or on city streets.

This week, a 21-year-old Irish exchange student died after being struck by a car on his scooter in Austin, Texas, according to media.

Consumer Reports, which released its report on Tuesday, said hospitals treated people for concussions, nasal fractures, forearm fractures, and other injuries, some requiring surgery.

While major e-scooter firms encourage users to wear helmets, there are few regulations requiring them.

Two US-based startups, Bird and Lime, have been growing rapidly, including internationally, and have reached valuations of more than $1 billion (R13.6 billion).

Others in the segment include ridesharing group Lyft, Ford-back Spin and Skip. – AFP